By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning returned home to take on the Tronto Maple Leafs, and here is how they stacked up.
ABB-Point-Kucherov
Stamkos-Cirelli-Hagel
Jeannot-Paul-Merela
Sheary-Glendening-Eyssimont
Hedman-Cernak
Sergachev-Raddysh
Bogosian-Perbix
Johansson
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 4-3 Overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in their second home game of the season.
Fast Period vs Third Period
The Lightning started the first period off down 1-0 when Toronto struck first. However, the Lightning responded and exploded, with the offense scoring three unanswered goals. The Lightning played with urgency and even defended well. Despite giving up 17 shots, it felt like the Lightning had complete control of the game, with Johannson shutting things down in net.
The Thrid period was the opioste. The Lightning were not getting good pressure and were on their heels for the majority of the period. The Lightning surrendered 20 shots on goal in the final 20 minutes and let the Leafs tie the game 3-3 after some turnovers. The Lightning had this game won but got too comfortable and let things slip away quickly.
Johansson
Johansson had to face 52 shots in this game which is way more than a goalie should face. Johansson stopped 48 of them, and most of the goals were hard to blame on him. Johansson played fantastic for a guy who got thrust into the starting role and had to face shot after shot. While he isn't Vasilevskiy Johansson made multiple great saves and kept the Lightning in this game. If there is one positive to take away from this game, it's Johansson.
Special Teams
The Lightning played great on special teams, with the power play going 2/4, and the penalty kill going 2/2. The Power play has looked fantastic as they continue to move the puck quickly and get shots on net. Nick Paul has been a great addition to have in front of the net, but Kucherov showed off today, blasting two into the back of the net while on the power play.
The Penalty kill did give up some chances, but they continued to create chances of their own as well. Hagel and Cirelli are constantly getting pucks deep into the opponent's zone and making entry at the blue line difficult. There is a lot to like from the Lightning special teams wise, which has been their bread and butter over the last few years.
Final thoughts
There was a lot to like from these first two periods, but all of that is overshadowed by the final 20 and overtime. The Lightning have to be able to close out games. While it is still early, the team's defense is a major concern. Allowing 52 shots on goal in a game should be a big red flag. Cooper put it best after the game, saying Tronto got desperate in the third, and the Lightning failed to match that intensity which they can not do.
The Lightning have a lot of talent on this team and are very capable of putting on a show like we saw in the first two periods. But they have to turn this defense around and start playing a full 60 minutes.
Three Stars
Our Three Stars
1. Knies (2G, 1A)
2. Nylander (1G, 1A)
3. Johansson (50 SV)
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